Women usually have more difficulty losing weight compared to men. Sometimes hormones, such as those found in birth control pills, are blamed. Eating less than your body requires is key to burning fat and getting closer to your ideal weight. Even if you take birth control pills, however, you can reduce your calorie intake and lose weight by following a low-carb or a no-carb diet. Consult your doctor before modifying your diet.
Birth Control and Weight
Many people believe that taking the birth control pill leads to weight gain, although this belief is not supported by evidence, according to the January 19, 2011 article on ScienceDaily.com. It is possible that the higher dose of estrogen previously found in birth control pills could have caused women weight gain by making them retain more water, but the formulations used today use very small dose. Other women report an increased appetite when taking the birth control pill. Choose foods that will help you feel more satisfied with fewer calories to lose weight.
No Carbohydrate Diet
A no-carbohydrate diet can either be a diet that restricts all major carbohydrate-containing foods, such as sugar, grains, legumes, starchy vegetables, fruits and some dairy, or a diet that keep your daily carb intake close to zero. Opt for a no-carb diet that allows you to consume nonstarchy vegetables to get the fiber and antioxidants needed for your body. For example, a no-carb diet that excludes carb-rich foods but allows nonstarchy vegetables can provide between 20 and 35 g of carbohydrates, which is very low considering that the average American eat 300 g of carbohydrates a day. A no-carb diet should be high in fat, from butter, olive oil, nuts, coconut oil and cream, and moderate in protein, from meat, poultry, eggs, fish and cheese.
No-Carb Diet and Weight Loss
A no-carb diet can work well if you are on the birth control pill. If you have water retention, the natural diuretic effect of a carbohydrate-restricted diet will help you get rid of this water weight. A high-fat, low-carb diet is more satiating compared to a low-fat, high-carb diet, according to the January 2008 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." It can help you get your appetite under control and make it easier to consume the right amount of calories for your body. No studies have specifically looked into the effects of a no-carb diet in women on birth control. Obese women on a low-carb diet providing 20 g of carbs a day, however, lost more than twice as much fat in six months compared to obese women assigned to a low-fat diet, as published in the April 2003 issue of "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism."
Special Considerations
If you want to give no-carb diets a try while taking the birth control pill, consult your doctor first to have a baseline health assessment and receive specific recommendations, especially if you take medications. This kind of diet can pose risks for people with certain medical conditions.
References
- Go Ask Alice!; Questions About Going Off of Birth Control Pills; August 2004
- ScienceDaily.com; Birth Control Pills Do Not Cause Weight Gain, New Research Suggests; January 2011
- "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism"; A Randomized Trial Comparing a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet and a Calorie-Restricted Low Fat Diet on Body Weight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Healthy Women; Bonnie J. Brehm, et al.; April 2003
- "The New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great"; Eric C. Westman, Stephen D. Phinney and Jeff S. Volek; 2010
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Effects of a High-Protein Ketogenic Diet on Hunger, Appetite, and Weight Loss in Obese Men Feeding Ad Libitum; Alexandra M. Johnstone, et al.; January 2008
